Home Trending Star Moments 1

7 Unstoppable Secrets Behind St. Thomas Aquinas Ft. Lauderdale’s Football Dynasty (2025 Update)

• minute read
Contents

The St. Thomas Aquinas (STA) Raiders football program in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is not just a high school team; it is arguably the most dominant high school football dynasty in the United States. As of the current date in December 2025, the Raiders continue to set an almost unreachable standard, having recently secured their record-extending seventh consecutive state championship, solidifying their place as a perennial national powerhouse and a mandatory stop for college recruiters coast-to-coast. This deep dive uncovers the blueprint for their relentless success, the star players fueling the future, and the sheer magnitude of their legacy.

Every year, the question isn't whether STA will compete for a title, but who will be the next team to challenge their reign. With an unparalleled history of producing NFL talent and a coaching staff focused on a "Success Beyond the Scoreboard" philosophy, the Raiders' program is a masterclass in sustained excellence, turning high school athletes into college stars and professional legends.

The Unmatched Legacy: St. Thomas Aquinas Football Biography

The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders have built a resume that dwarfs nearly every other high school program in the nation. Their success is rooted in a culture of discipline, elite coaching, and a relentless schedule that prepares them for any challenge.

  • Program Name: St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
  • Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Head Coach: Roger Harriott (Since 2015)
  • Total State Championships: 17 (The most in Florida high school football history)
  • Recent Dynasty: Clinched seven consecutive state championships, a Florida state record.
  • Most Recent Title: 2024 FHSAA Class 5A State Championship (Defeated Lakeland)
  • Coach Harriott's Record: Led the program to nine state titles since taking over.
  • National Recognition: Consistently ranked in the Top 25 national polls by outlets like MaxPreps and High School Football America.
  • Notable 2024 Season Record: 14-1 (Overall)

The Seven Pillars of STA's Sustained Dominance

The Raiders' ability to maintain elite status year after year is not accidental. It is the result of a meticulously crafted system that focuses on development, national exposure, and a championship mindset instilled by Head Coach Roger Harriott.

1. The Record-Shattering Championship Streak

The most compelling metric of STA’s dominance is their state championship tally. With 17 overall titles, the Raiders hold the Florida state record. More impressively, their run of seven consecutive championships—clinching the 2024 FHSAA Class 5A title with a dominant performance against the Lakeland Dreadnaughts—cemented a dynasty unparalleled in the Sunshine State. This consistency is a testament to the program's feeder system, which ensures that as one class of stars graduates, another is ready to step into the spotlight.

2. The 'Success Beyond the Scoreboard' Philosophy

Head Coach Roger Harriott, who has guided the program to nine state titles, preaches a philosophy that extends beyond wins and losses. His "Success Beyond the Scoreboard" mantra focuses on developing young men of character, discipline, and academic readiness. This approach is highly appealing to top-tier college programs, who know that an STA player is not just physically gifted but also mentally prepared for the rigors of university life and professional football. This holistic development creates a virtuous cycle, attracting the best talent to the program.

3. A National Schedule Built for Greatness

St. Thomas Aquinas doesn't shy away from competition; they actively seek it out. Their annual schedule is loaded with national powerhouses, a strategy designed to test the team and prepare them for the state playoffs. For instance, the 2024 season featured a high-profile matchup against Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas), a game that put the Raiders on the national stage and provided invaluable experience against elite competition. Playing a 'who's who' of high school football ensures that when the state championship game arrives, the Raiders have already faced and conquered the highest level of pressure.

4. The NFL Factory: An Alumni Pipeline

The sheer number of St. Thomas Aquinas alumni currently playing in the NFL is staggering. The program is widely recognized as a "football factory," having produced five first-round NFL Draft picks since 2015 alone. This pipeline is perhaps the single biggest recruiting tool for the Raiders. Prospective players see a clear, proven path from Fort Lauderdale to the professional ranks.

Notable NFL Alumni (Entities):

  • Nick Bosa: Defensive End, San Francisco 49ers
  • Joey Bosa: Defensive End, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Dallas Turner: Linebacker, Minnesota Vikings (First-round pick)
  • Damon Arnette: Cornerback (First-round pick)
  • Asante Samuel Jr.: Cornerback, Los Angeles Chargers
  • Michael Palardy: Punter, Carolina Panthers
  • Jordan Scarlett: Running Back
  • Tyreak Sapp: Defensive End
  • Quincy Skinner Jr.: Wide Receiver

5. The Elite Coaching Staff

The success of the program is upheld by a dedicated and experienced coaching staff. Head Coach Roger Harriott is supported by a deep bench of assistant coaches who specialize in player development and tactical execution. This stability and expertise ensure that the program's standards never drop, even as players cycle through.

Key Coaching Staff Entities:

  • Roger Harriott (Head Coach)
  • Mike Crissy (Assistant Coach)
  • Bryan Baucom (Assistant Coach)
  • Joe Rizzo (Assistant Coach)
  • Ronnie Lockhart II (Assistant Coach)
  • Kirk Olivadotti (Alumnus, NFL Coach)

6. The Next Wave of Recruiting Stars (2025 & 2026 Classes)

The talent pipeline shows no signs of slowing down. The 2025 and 2026 recruiting classes are already loaded with high-level prospects attracting offers from major Division I programs. This continuous influx of elite talent is the lifeblood of the dynasty, ensuring the Raiders are always competing at a national level.

Top Current & Future Player Entities:

  • Travares Daniels II: Linebacker, Class of 2025 (Committed to Maryland)
  • Marc Orozco: Current Varsity Roster (2025-26)
  • Virgil Lemons: Current Varsity Roster (2025-26)
  • Jemiyah Douglas: Current Varsity Roster (2025-26)
  • Jace Stephenson: WR/DB, Class of 2026 Prospect

7. The Rivalry That Defines Florida Football

Every great dynasty needs a great rival, and for St. Thomas Aquinas, that challenge is often met by the Lakeland Dreadnaughts. The two schools have a history of meeting in the state championship, with the Raiders dominating the recent series. The 2024 Class 5A State Championship was a rematch, and early projections suggest a potential third consecutive championship showdown in the 2025 FHSAA playoffs. These high-stakes games are crucial for the Raiders, as they serve as the ultimate proving ground for their championship pedigree.

The Future Outlook: Can Anyone Stop the Streak?

As the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders prepare for the 2025-2026 season, the pressure to extend their record-breaking streak to eight consecutive state titles is immense. With a foundation built on a winning culture, elite coaching from Roger Harriott and his staff, and a constant stream of five-star talent, the program is perfectly positioned to continue its reign. The biggest challenges will come from national contenders in their out-of-state schedule and the inevitable rematch with Florida rivals like Lakeland. For now, the STA Raiders remain the undisputed kings of Florida high school football, and the entire nation is watching to see who will be the first to crack the code of the Fort Lauderdale dynasty.

7 Unstoppable Secrets Behind St. Thomas Aquinas Ft. Lauderdale’s Football Dynasty (2025 Update)
st thomas aquinas ft lauderdale football
st thomas aquinas ft lauderdale football

Detail Author:

  • Name : Julian Thiel
  • Username : elnora.bogan
  • Email : lyric49@christiansen.com
  • Birthdate : 1976-07-29
  • Address : 70918 Labadie Corner Elmoreland, WI 79207
  • Phone : +1.251.892.5883
  • Company : Kulas, Beatty and Anderson
  • Job : Tax Examiner
  • Bio : Facilis perferendis quibusdam voluptas beatae rerum quo recusandae. Dolore illo sed et veniam perferendis. Eaque cum repellat doloribus impedit eum.

Socials

instagram:

tiktok:

  • url : https://tiktok.com/@conroyc
  • username : conroyc
  • bio : In distinctio deleniti cumque id fugiat culpa aut. Porro dolores laborum quia.
  • followers : 4797
  • following : 2552

linkedin:

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/candelario_conroy
  • username : candelario_conroy
  • bio : Reiciendis consequatur at voluptas magnam. Dolores ipsa inventore officiis sit vitae ipsum. Iste laudantium voluptas qui itaque autem incidunt.
  • followers : 360
  • following : 2604

facebook:

Random Posts